When your car is performing well and seems to be in a clean bill of health, it’s tempting to skip the annual service and save yourself a couple of hundred quid. However, the implications of missing a regular service schedule can be severe – from an increased risk of unexpected breakdowns to a knock-on effect on your car’s resale value in the future.
So, servicing your car regularly is super important. But how often should you be doing it? And are there any signs that can you tell when your car is due a service?
That’s what we’re looking at in today’s guide. We’ll take an in-depth look at how often you should service your car, along with what’s included in a full and interim service.
When should I service my car?
The interval at which you service your car depends on mileage, the age of your car, and whether you’re booking a full or interim service.
Mileage
Let’s start with mileage. It’s generally advised that if you cover an average of 12,000 miles a year, you should book a full service every 12 months. However, even if you cover fewer miles than that, it’s considered good practice to carry out a full service once a year.
Age
The age of your car also makes a difference to your advised service schedule. Most manufacturers recommend servicing a new car every 12 months or after a specified mileage interval. Some vehicles with long-life service schedules may extend this up to two years, depending on driving conditions and manufacturer guidance.
Full service or interim service
We’ll cover the differences between full and interim services in the next section, but suffice it to say that the one you choose will affect your car’s service schedule.
For instance, if you book a full service once a year it may not be necessary to carry out interim servicing too. This all depends on the age of your vehicle and your average mileage; the older your car and the more miles you cover, the more likely it is that you’ll need to book both full and interim services.
What’s included in a full service?
For most cars driven up to 12,000 miles a year, a full service every 12 months will be enough to keep them in peak condition. A full car service includes a 77-point inspection of all your car’s main components and functions, along with an oil and oil filter change and an air filter change/clean.
As well as inspecting your car and changing a few essential fluids, your servicing mechanic will also advise on any components that are showing signs of wear and tear. They’ll give you the option to replace these parts, but this isn’t always required.
What’s included in an interim service?
An interim service is a lighter check carried out between full services, typically including basic safety inspections and an oil and filter change.
Many drivers that cover fewer than 12,000 miles a year don’t bother with an interim service. However, if you cover 12k or above, it’s definitely something that most professional mechanics would recommend.
What signs show that a car needs servicing?
Failing to service your car regularly can increase wear on components over time and may lead to performance issues or unexpected faults. All cars, whatever their age, will require servicing at some point – particularly if you’re not performing checks and maintaining your car yourself.
So, what signs are you likely to see when your car is in dire need of a good service? Let’s take a look…
- Power loss or change in engine idle sound: From a clogged air filter to poor oil circulation; there are lots of reasons for unexplained engine problems that a service may help to resolve.
- Dashboard warning lights: If any mechanical systems develop a fault, a dashboard warning light is likely to be your first sign that there’s something amiss. A full service can help to diagnose the cause of warning lights and identify any faults that may require repair.
- Change in brake performance: If your car is pulling to one side under braking or the brake pedal feels spongy, these are tell-tale signs that the system is ready for comprehensive service and safety checks.
- Higher emissions and reduced MPG: If you notice reduced fuel economy or higher emissions, it could indicate issues such as clogged filters, worn spark plugs or poor engine performance that a service may help identify.
- Strange noises: Unusual noises such as grinding, knocking or rattling may indicate mechanical problems and should be checked by a mechanic as soon as possible.
Car servicing FAQ: Your questions answered
We get that the world of car servicing can be a little confusing, particularly if you’re new to vehicle ownership. So, to help clear up any uncertainty, we’ve answered some of the web’s most asked questions about car servicing in the UK.
Is it illegal to not service your car?
No, there’s no legal requirement to service your car, so you won’t be penalised for failing to book a full service every 12 months.
With that said, regular servicing is essential if you want your car to pass its MOT consistently. That’s why many people book a full service and MOT together.
When is my car service due?
There are a couple of different ways to find out when your car’s service is due:
- Your car’s service booklet or digital service history will show when the vehicle was lasted serviced and when the next service is due.
- Text reminders from your garage. Most garages provide a text alert service to remind customers when their next service or MOT is due.
Servicing your car needn’t be a chore and don’t forget that you can also carry out interval and full servicing yourself. At Prestone, our premium vehicle maintenance fluids are ideal for complementing your at-home servicing and maintenance regime. Browse our full product range here.